Claude Pelon, a defensive lineman on the Jets practice squad, was trash-talking fellow defensive lineman Mike Pennel about whether Pelon’s USC Trojans would whip Cal in a battle of unbeaten teams Saturday. In the middle of it was Josh McCown.

At one point Pelon was on McCown’s back as if trying to get a piggy-back ride. Everyone was laughing and it was all in fun, though any coach might have cringed seeing his starting quarterback with 300 pounds of football player on him.

The scene in the Jets’ locker room spoke volumes about how McCown has earned the respect and friendship of his teammates, from starters to those on the practice squad.

“He’s just a down-to-earth guy,” Pelon said. “He’s one of those quarterbacks you can actually talk to and have a conversation with. He’s cool.”

It’s why the Jets picked the right guy after they flirted with Jay Cutler way back when, setting up an interview only to cancel it when they decided on signing McCown. Word is Cutler wanted more money than the Jets had to offer and ultimately didn’t want to be part of a rebuilding process.

“We were just feeling each other out,” Cutler said of his interest in the Jets. “It wasn’t aggressive. It just didn’t work out.”

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Cutler ultimately signed with the Dolphins, who visit MetLife Stadium on Sunday for the Jets’ home opener. McCown was Cutler’s backup in Chicago from 2011-2013, so it will be a reunion of friends.

“I love the guy,” Cutler said. “Give me an hour and I can tell you all the good things about him. He’s a heck of a competitor. He’s an unbelievable guy in the locker room. He’s an unbelievable guy in the quarterback room. He’s selfless. He’s one of a kind.”

That’s why McCown is perfect for these Jets, or at least better than Cutler would have been. Cutler, who has thrown for 32,697 yards and 209 touchdowns in his career, has more raw talent than McCown, who has thrown for 14,595 yards and 81 touchdowns in his 15 years in the NFL. But Cutler would have attracted more of spotlight in New York and that might not have been good for either Cutler or the Jets.

McCown has the perfect temperament for this team in transition, a team-first, keep-everybody-up kind of guy who makes you believe the Jets are going to get better.

“I really believe that at some point we’re going to look up and be on the right side of the scoreboard and be putting up more points as we grow together,” he said this week.

Except for 2015, when Ryan Fitzpatrick had his career year, the Jets’ quarterback position has been largely divisive: Sanchez or Geno, Geno or Vick, Geno or Fitz.

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McCown is the man left standing and that has at least brought much-needed stability. With newly acquired Jermaine Kearse getting comfortable and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins back from a two-game suspension, the offense is ready to find a rhythm after losing 21-12 at Buffalo and 45-20 in Oakland.

“We’re seeking improvement as we get to know each other every game,” said McCown, who has completed 43-of-64 passes for 353 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. “That’s the goal for us as an offense.”

Offensive coordinator John Morton is starting to get a feel for McCown and the rest of his weapons. He likes the way McCown has led on and off the field.

“He’s seen a lot of football,” Morton said. “The game is easy for him. Things that break down, he figures it out.”

The Dolphins are 1-0 after beating the Chargers 19-17 last week. Cutler completed 24-of-33 for 230 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

“I love him like a brother,” McCown said of Cutler. “He’s a good dude.”